No worthwhile Zoomies?. I’ve been looking around for a good Zoomie for a while now. Problem is, I can’t find one. There is always some shortcoming, low output, poor heat management, cheap plastic lense, etc etc. How about one of the Group buy Guru’s putting together a GB on a Zoomie built the Right way. ? Seems like a lot of members would be interested.
Looks like Solarforce has a new one out the Z2.
http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com/product_detail.php?t=LF&s=26&id=851
What they did at least wrong is that they put in a XP-L led, while using a XP-L Hi gives an obvious better performance.
I have my hopes on that Brinyte zoomie (I'm in the group buy for it). The OP obviously does not like plastic lenses, but in the category lenses-that-end-up-in-flashlights, the plastic ones thusfar always performed better than the glass ones.
I’m not a big fan of zoomies period so I don’t know much about them, but what’s your problem with this Brinyte Looks pretty good to me. There’s a group buy already ongoing for that one.
That Brinyte Insulted my Family, it’s dead to me. But seriously,
I missed it, Thanks for pointing it out. Order up.
I used to be of the opinion that I preferred one that could zoom but if you get a decent fixed lens torch you won’t need it.
I take the dog for a walk where it’s very dark so I wanted one with a wide flood beam to see the ground I’m walking on to make sure I don’t stand in anything, so I bought one with a zoom lens. The advantage being that you can obviously make an adjustment to see further into the distance to to see if you have any unwanted company! So all the light is optimised into flood or throw.
That was until I bought a Convoy C8, admittedly it hasn’t got the performance of some of the other light’s on here but it’s great as it has a wide flood and a good hotpot that penetrates and light’s up the path in the distance, no more zooming in and out! 
I’’m just going to concentrate on those with a fixed lens, quality emitters and driver’s and then up the current as I learn about such things. 8)
I have a couple C2 lights that mimick the C8 beam pattern. ( with much less output ) I just want a Zoomie for grins
Is modding out? Most budget lights have issues that are easily resolved by a simple mod or two
I have several zoomies. They are nice for being, well, wide and focused.
This is what one looks like (no idea if good seller, 3000 lumens! (not))
I like these too, I think this guy is reputable, haven’t ordered from him yet:
Of course the Sipik 68 &98
A lot may have non Cree emitters now
This is the light I’m starting with. I bought two of them - one to use and one for spare parts.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/311212982817?\_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
I’m waiting for lucidrv drivers from DrJones and xm-l2 u2 led and pill/reflector from mtn electronics so I can start work. The host uses an obvious fake cree but is well made and has an effective beam focus with side switch. I also plan to add a tail switch and use the side switch exclusively for mode changes. Total price of finished project: about $35 including shipping from four different sources (excluding parts light). Why? What lights are available that offer aaa, aa, and 18650 for power (9x 1000 mAh aaa nimh, 3x 2700 mAh aa nimh, or 1x 18650)?
The Ultrafire T-20 is a fantastic zoomie, granted it needs some mods to be truly magical but with the right mods it's about as good as it gets.
Uniquefire 1405, modded with a dedomed XP-G2 at 3 amps.